New chairperson and directors for Grow Wellington

Greater Wellington Regional Council has appointed a new chairperson and four new directors to the board of the regional economic development agency Grow Wellington.

Paul Mersi has been appointed as the new chairperson. Barry Brook, Anders Crofoot, Karen Fifield and Richard Stone are the new directors.

“Paul Mersi has a strong commercial and professional background and is a respected advisor and thought-leader to both the public and private sectors. He is experienced in guiding and implementing strategic change,” Greater Wellington’s Chair Fran Wilde said.

“Until recently Paul was a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

“Barry Brook’s experience is in exporting, primarily in the agribusiness sector. He has extensive offshore experience. Barry will bring to the board skills and international connections that will help it to promote the region’s export sector.

“Anders Crofoot is based in the Wairarapa and is well known as an agriculture industry leader. He has strong business and government connections and an IT background.

“Karen Fifield has a background in business management and tourism. She is currently Chief Executive of the Wellington Zoo.

“Richard Stone is currently President of the Employers Chamber of Commerce. He has a background in business development, especially in the human resources sector,” Fran Wilde said.

The new directors join current Grow Wellington directors Di McCarthy, Peter Robertson, Rachel Taulelei and Paul Mersi. They replace retiring Grow Wellington chairperson Murray McCaw, deputy chairperson John Lumsden and director John McFadzean.

Grow Wellington is a council controlled organisation, wholly owned by Greater Wellington Regional Council.

The new directors take up their positions from 1 July 2011.